Linda Williamson Richardson

Linda Williamson Richardson, 74, of Rochester, died Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at The Mayo Clinic, Methodist Hospital. Linda was born September 30, 1947 in Birmingham, AL to Byrn and Katherine (Baxter) Williamson. She graduated from Berry High School and went on to obtain her B.A. in Education from Baylor University. While home one semester attending Samford University in Birmingham, Linda met and would later marry the love of her life, Jarry Richardson. They were united in marriage August 30, 1969 at the First Baptist Church in Birmingham. Linda and Jarry moved to Baltimore, MD where she taught at an inner-city school while Jarry was attending medical school and residency. Linda later chose to move from teaching to her preferred role of being a mother to their three children. Linda and Jarry moved to Rochester in 1974, and Linda dove into the community she has called home for over 47 years. She was a member of Rochester Covenant Church, where she served at every level including teaching Sunday school, serving on the board and as chair for the church, singing in the choir, enjoying Bible study with her friends, being a youth choir mom, and bringing her favorite dishes to events. She was a leader in Bible Study Fellowship and Community Bible Study. She met regularly with two care groups for 45 years, and those relationships were a particular joy and comfort to her. One of Linda's great passions was her support of and work at Friendship Place, an after-school program for children and families in southeast Rochester. Linda also took great joy in participating with her husband at Global Medical Workers CME Conferences, where she helped lead the spouse's programs, particularly teaching quilting. She and Jarry helped sponsor a family from Laos who became part of the family, and after their mother died, Linda mothered them as well. Her close and personal relationship with Jesus was obvious to all who knew her. Linda loved to bake bread and cook for others, to visit family, travel the world, and plan and dream about future projects. She loved to keep busy with the chickens, goats, dogs, cats and horses at her country home. She was an enthusiastic hostess, who loved to welcome people into her home, and to surround those around her with care. She was a bright, kind, and gentle woman with an optimistic, energetic and hopeful spirit. She was always gracious, poised and selfless. Until her last day, her thoughts and concerns were for the comfort and well-being of those around her. She was a devoted and loyal wife, mother and grandmother. One of her greatest joys in the past two years was the new bright light in her life, her granddaughter, Winter-Grace. Linda is survived by her loving husband, Jarrett, her children, Ryan, Shane (Charity), and Shannon Richardson, her granddaughter Winter-Grace, her sister Anne Patrick, sister-in-law Anita Williamson, adoptive children Theuthmany, Sikhounxai, Khiengchai, Soukvilai, Samaiphone, and Soukbangone Supantavong, and Joleen Kemp. Linda was preceded in death by her brother, Byrn Williamson Jr. and by her parents, Byrn and Katherine. A celebration of Linda's life will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday, November 20, 2021 at Rochester Covenant Church, 4950 31st Ave. NW, Rochester with Rev. Don Johnson and Rev. Dan Thompson officiating. Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM until time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Olmsted Outreach/Friendship Place, 1429 4th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904. Due to Covid-19, masks will be required for all services at the church. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Richardson family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com